Printing images - Color shift after ripping after saving in PS compared to other software

[Alex-print]

So I'm not sure what's happening here. I get a file let's say PNG (some other non-Adobe software used to create image), I open it in Photoshop and then I add some text under the file and save the file as PNG. I have some rip software that I use and then it's printed. 

If I bypass the step where I open the file in photoshop, then I rip it without changing any settings and print it, I get a darker color. What is  causing this? I think the darker color is a more accurate representation on the monitor compared to what is printed. It seems like when saving the file I don't have my ducks in a row when it comes to the color profile so it's printing lighter/brighter. Color mode is RGB in photoshop and the other person who is sending me the file shows that he's exporting it in RGB mode as well. I'll attach an image of what my "Save copy" > PNG options look like.

Any and all help would be appreciated

[davescm]

You rightly say that you need to get your colour management ducks in a row.

An RGB file just means that each pixel has values for red, green and blue. However, to display (or print) colours accurately it is important that the document also contains an embedded reference to what those RGB values represent. That is the document colour profile. The same RGB numbers represent different colours in sRGB and in Adobe RGB so it is very important that the profile is embedded and is maintained throught the process from creation through to printing.

There are also two other steps involved in matching what you see to what you print.

First your monitor calibration and profile. Colour managed software such as Photoshop converts the RGB values in the document to those needed to display those colours on your screen. To do that it uses the monitor profile set in your operating system. It is important therefore that the profile is representative of your screen in its current settings. That is why it should and produced using a hardware device and associated software. That calibration and profiling ensures correct display. When calibrating you are offered the chance to set a white point (i.e. the brightest white). It is important for print matching that it is set to the brightness of your paper. Adjusting an image on a super bright glaring screen will always look darker when printed on paper.

The final stage is the printer profile. That should represent the media settings and inks used for the print. You can make printer profiles, I do that here, but manufacturer profiles are pretty good, provided you match the media settings they used when producing the profiles.

With a correct and embedded document colour profile, a correctly set up calibrated and profiled monitor, and a good printer profile there is no reason why you cannot get a good screen to printer match for your document.

Dave

[NB, colourmanagement]

@Alex-print you’ve had some great tips from @davescm - I'll add that it's important to check the incoming file has an embedded ICC colour profile, the image colour space makes a lot of difference to its appearance. 

Do you get a warning [about a missing ICC profile] when opening the file?
Please post (inline) a screenshot of JUST your Photoshop Color Settings control panel. 

I see in the screenshot you posted that did not check to embed the ICC profile, that is important. 

The RIP should read the document ICC profile and convert to the printer's ICC profile. 

Let's get started by knowing more about the incoming image file - post the screenshot I asked for above

You can learn more about ICC profiles here.  

I hope this helps

neil barstow - adobe forum volunteer,

colourmanagement consultant & co-author of 'getting colour right'

See my free articles on colour management online

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